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IF YOU ALREADY DRIVE a Mazda CX-7 or
CX-9 and have had a strange feeling you were
being followed on a school run, chances are,
you were. Not by some shady character, but
by Mazda engineers wanting to gauge how
their customers really ‘drive’ their SUVs.
At the recent press launch, Mazda
explained that it followed numerous mums
and dads to and from school to see how they
used their cars. This data was then applied
to better engineer the all-new CX-9 to
customers’ wants and needs.
The vehicle comes in four model grades
(Sport, Touring, GT and Azami) and the
choice of either front-wheel-drive (FWD)
or all-wheel-drive (AWD). An all-new
turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine
powers every model and all have a six-speed
automatic transmission.
The interior has had a massive upgrade
and features better quality materials, new
trim highlights and a sleeker, more modern
dash layout that creates a feeling of space.
The centre console sits unusually high,
making it easier for the driver to reach the
multifunction commander.
While the new CX-9 is smaller overall than
the previous model and has a more sloping
roof, interior space is actually better than
before. Mazda has lowered the floor and the
third row seats can now comfortably seat an
average-sized adult. I have long legs and my
knees did feel slightly high but, overall, it was
a much more pleasant experience. I do have
a few third-row quibbles, though: it feels a
little low rent, with hard plastics everywhere,
and there’s no storage or rear air vents. This
is a little disappointing given the premium
feel of the rest of the cabin.
On the launch drive we sampled a mix
of CX-9 variants, but given Mazda says the
Touring is expected to be the most popular
seller, we’ll focus on that. Additional to
the base Sport models, Touring variants
come with black leather, an eight-inch
touchscreen display, front LED fog lights,
automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers,
six-way power front seats with lumbar
adjustment and heating, rear seats with
centre armrest storage, and USB ports
for the second row.
On the road is where the CX-9 really
shines. Gone is the unpleasant drone that
has plagued so many Mazdas over the years.
The CX-9 is so much quieter and is even
pleasing on coarse bitumen. Mazda saved
considerable weight in designing the new
car, so added 325kg of sound deadening to
improve cabin ambience – and it has made a
world of difference. The only gripe we had
was that two of the three cars we drove had
rattles – one in the front speaker and the
other in the armrest. This is not what you’d
expect from a new car.
The 2.5 -litre turbo petrol engine is quick
off the mark and Mazda says it’s also the
most economical in its class – that’s
something many current owners will be
pleased to hear, as the previous version was
the thirstiest in the real world by a long way.
The steering is sharp and responsive and
gives a good feeling of precision and
confidence. Even in the torrential rain that
descended on Melbourne during our first
drive, the CX-9 feels sure-footed.
There’s also a massive improvement in
ride quality. The 18-inch wheel and tyre
combo is our pick, but even the largest 20-
inch rims soak up most irregularities. The
suspension is on the firm side but isn’t
uncomfortable or crashy over harsh bumps.
The latest CX-9 is a big step up over the
previous model and is leading the pack for
quality, economy, refinement and value. We’re
looking forward to testing it back-to-back with
its rivals to see if, as early indications suggest,
this is the new benchmark seven-seat SUV in
its class. – Jaedene Hudson
Pros: Standard safety features; efficient
petrol engine; much better interior
packaging; good value for money
Cons: No diesel engine; no air vents in the
third row; no Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
Benchmark
set for
large SUVs
Big improvements to refinement
and fuel economy rocket the Mazda
CX-9 back to the head of the pack
Engine: 2.5-litre four-cylinder Transmission:
six-speed automatic Power: 170kW Torque:
420Nm Fuel consumption: 8.4L/100km (claimed)
ANCAP: HHHHH Price: From $48,890 (plus ORC)
The 2.5 -litre turbo engine is quick off the mark and
Mazda says it’s also the most economical in its class
MOTORING
48 OPEN ROAD
OR0916_MOT_Mazda 9 + Citroen.indd 48
30/08/2016 5:30 pm